Physical description: Ms. copy, 18 numbered and 11 unnumbered p. 34 cm. Joined with spreader pin.

Item note: United States Consulate Dutch West Indies. The earliest records preserved in the Archives of this Consulate Commence April 9th 1797 and is the form of a protest made before B. H. Philips Consul of the United States by Richard West master of the Ship "Ann and Susan" of New York... Done before B. H. Philips Consul of the United States April 15th 1797..."This is followed by protest of Mayo Gerrish Master of Brig 'Lady Washington' belonging to Ebenezer Wheelwright of Newburyport Mass. which sailed from Barbados on March 10th 1797 with a cargo of sugar rum and molasses..." (middle of 1st leaf verso).Passionate diatribe (p. 5-6) about the temerity of privateers and the lack of support against them: "How little do those that are interested in maratime affairs... realize the risk and dangers attending navigation in the early days of our national independence... treatys were violated, and a port like Curaca owned and fitted out pirates... the records of this Consul do show as bloody fienish work... with the full Knowledge if not the assistance of the Governments...""Names of American vessels captured by French privateers" (44) with pencil notes in contemporary hand. Last half page written in pencil. A record of shipping between Curaçao and the United States during the undeclared war with France, possibly compiled by someone who suffered losses.Includes a copy of a letter from the American consul to Admiral Truxtun congratulating him on the destruction of a French warship while commanding the Constellation. The records end in 1800.For events of this time see Naval Documents Related To The Quasi-War Between The United States And France. Naval Operations From Feb. 1797... (USGPO 1935) 1:22 ff.

Original digital object name: bei-m591

This digital resource is provided by the Special Collections department, Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, United States.